Please review all of the policy documents carefully before submitting your re-opening applications to the Department. They are listed from most recent to oldest for your convenience.
DOCUMENT #1 - Criteria for Reopening Claims
Policy 16.20 - Criteria for Reopening Claims (Word format)
effective 12/1/2008, replaces 1/5/1995 policy
Policy 16.20 - Criteria for Reopening Claims (PDF format)
effective 12/1/2008, replaces 1/5/1995 policy
DOCUMENT #2 - The 90 Day Time Limit to Act on Reopening Applications
Policy 16.31 - 90-Day Time Limit to Act on Reopenings (Word Format)
effective 12/1/2008, replaces 10/1/1995 policy
Policy 16.31 - 90-Day Time Limit to Act on Reopenings (PDF format)
effective 12/1/2008, replaces 10/1/1995 policy
DOCUMENT #3 - Loss of Earning Power and Reopenings
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Management Update
Insurance Services: Claims Administration
& Self Insurance |
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Effective Date
07/22/2007
Topic
LEP
Issuing Authority
Sandy Dziedzic
Cheri Ward
Jean Vanek
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LEP and REOPENINGS
RCW 51.32.090 is revised effective July 22, 2007. The new subsection (3)(c) states:
The prior closure of the claim or receipt of permanent partial disability payments shall not affect the rate at which the Loss of Earning Power benefits are calculated upon reopening the claim.
For all reopening applications received on or after July 22, 2007, loss of earning power (LEP) benefits will be paid based on a comparison of current earnings to the updated wages from the job at the time of the original injury.
Reopening a claim and the previous payment of permanent partial disability benefits is no longer a factor in how LEP benefits are calculated.
Do not refer to Policy 5.81, point 10, Task 5.81-A, or the Davis vs. Bendix decision. Follow the RCW when paying LEP benefits.
NOTE: This is an interim policy change. This issue has been referred to the policy committee to be included in upcoming revisions |
DOCUMENT #4 - Payment of Provisional Time Loss on Reopenings
Policy 16.35 - Paying Provisional Time Loss on Reopening Applications (Word format)
effective 12/1/2008, replaces 9/1/1998 policy
Policy 16.35 - Paying Provisional Time Loss on Reopening Applications (PDF format)
effective 12/1/2008, replaces 9/1/1998 policy
DOCUMENT #5 - Over Seven Year Reopenings
Policy 16.40 - Reopening Claims Closed Over Seven Years (Word format)
effective 12/1/2008, replaces 11/1/1996 policy
Policy 16.40 - Reopening Claims Closed Over Seven Years (PDF format)
effective 12/1/2008, replaces 11/1/1996 policy
as of 23 March 2009
